This interesting genre scene is by a Dutch painter of the late XVII
century, a period when art, that had been democratic with Rembrandt and
Frans Hals, now assumed, under the patronage of wealthy parvenus a
pretentious gentility in which the accessories of life were more important
than life itself. Van Musscher enjoyed considerable popularity in his
time; he painted with meticulous care flattering portraits and pretty
genre subjects; he was mindful of each shining pearl and gilded tassel,
satin fold and silken curtain—not a detail escaped his devoted eye; but,
were it not for a certain distinction which he had as a colorist and
composer his paintings would have little importance today, save as records
of costume and household gear.
[Portrait of a Lady. Michiel Mierevelt, 1567-1641]